Ed Sheeran is set to return to stage for 1st time since Macklemore was cut and other acts withdrew

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ed Sheeran is set to resume his tour Saturday, perhaps alone, after all his supporting acts withdrew. They left in solidarity with Macklemore, who was dropped for making pro-Palestinian comments. Sheeran has performed much of his Loop Tour concerts solo, but had been joined for several songs by the Irish folk band Beoga. Macklemore was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe before they backed out. Sheeran has not commented publicly since losing the artists' support. A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to protest outside the show Saturday afternoon.

New laws trigger a fresh legal fight over Nazi-looted art in Los Angeles and Auschwitz museums

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jewish heirs of Holocaust victims have filed lawsuits in California to reclaim Nazi-looted paintings from museums in Los Angeles and Poland. These are the first cases since new laws in California and Congress strengthened claims to art taken during World War II. One lawsuit targets the Norton Simon Museum for two paintings by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Another seeks the return of watercolors painted by a Holocaust survivor under duress in the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp. Museum representatives argue they legally own the works. The issue highlights the tension between preserving history and addressing the trauma of families affected by the Holocaust.

Trump targets more news outlets, saying he will ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House

NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is barring CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House due to what he called unfavorable coverage, and threatens that more such prohibitions of media outlets could follow. Trump wrote on his social media site Friday that effective immediately, “I am banning” CNN, MS NOW and Politico “from the White House as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS!” It is the administration’s latest test of constitutional First Amendment protections.

Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg

MUNICH (AP) — Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival. Thousands of revelers in traditional Bavarian attire flocked to the beer tents on Munich's Theresienwiese fairground. They enjoyed brass music, freshly tapped beer, pretzels and sausages. The festival runs for 16 days, expecting around six million visitors from Munich, southern Germany and worldwide. German authorities have tightened security, using AI-powered cameras to detect large crowds. There are bans on knives, drones and large bags, with more than 600 police officers on duty.

Duncan Sheik, Tony- and Grammy-winning 'Spring Awakening' composer and pop star, dies at 56

NEW YORK (AP) — Tony- and Grammy-winning musician Duncan Sheik has died at 56. The “Barely Breathing” singer-songwriter composed the music for “Spring Awakening.” The groundbreaking Broadway musical that explored teenage angst ran for more than 860 performances and won eight Tony Awards. The show is beloved in the musical theater community for breaking ground in terms of staging and content Sheik also worked on musicals like “American Psycho.” He blended theater with pop, shifting away from traditional musical theater tropes to bring new audiences to Broadway. His most recent album was 2022’s “Claptrap.”

Fashion executive resigns days after restraining PETA protesters at New York runway show

NEW YORK (AP) — The longtime chief executive of the Council of Fashion Designers of America says he is stepping down. The news Friday comes days after Steven Kolb was filmed physically restraining two protesters during an altercation at a New York runway show. The incident Sunday involved the top fashion executive putting his hands over two PETA employees' mouths at the runway show. It quickly stunned many in the fashion world. Kolb has apologized for his actions. Kolb is stepping down after two decades leading the council, which is known as the fashion industry’s main trade organization.

Jon Stewart explains his ongoing philanthropic support of first responders

Jon Stewart says he never planned to focus his charity work on first responders and their families, but it grew organically. “The Daily Show” host said he wanted to support those who dedicate their lives to helping others. His advocacy began following the 9/11 terrorist attacks when he lobbied passionately for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. It continues, as he announced Friday that he will host the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s Roll Call of Heroes ceremony in New York on Oct. 28. Stewart believes supporting first responders and their families is crucial, as they are essential to society.

Princess Diana's famous 'revenge dress' goes on show ahead of Sotheby's auction

LONDON (AP) — A striking black dress worn by Princess Diana on the day her estranged husband admitted adultery is going up for auction at Sotheby’s. Known as the “revenge dress,” it has a presale estimate of up to $300,000. Diana wore the off-the-shoulder silk dress, designed by Christina Stambolian, to a gala in London on June 29, 1994, the day the then-Prince Charles' TV interview was broadcast. Sotheby’s Morgane Halimi says Diana used the dress to seize control of her story. The dress will tour internationally before its sale in New York on December 9. Diana's enduring appeal continues to captivate collectors and fans worldwide.

Trump defends bid to put his name on the Kennedy Center

President Donald Trump is defending his push to put his name on the Kennedy Center, saying he deserves recognition for trying to save it. Trump on Friday claimed he could secure the $257 million Congress approved for repairs. He suggests the center requires an ongoing subsidy to stay open. A judge recently blocked plans to return Trump's name to the building and ordered 30 days' notice before any major changes. Trump calls the judge “hostile.” The Kennedy Center board, aligned with Trump, voted to close the center indefinitely for repairs. Artists canceled appearances after the board added Trump's name to the facade.

In 'If I Go Will They Miss Me,' a family seeks healing under the LAX flight path

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Writer-director Walter Thompson-Hernández's feature film "If I Go Will They Miss Me" explores connection and healing under the LAX flight path. Starring Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks and released in U.S. theaters Friday, it tells a story of a family in Watts searching for connection. It's an expansion of Thompson-Hernández’s Sundance award-winning short film, which was inspired by a 2020 incident where a jet dumped fuel over an elementary school. The filmmaker grew up nearby and says he hopes it increases empathy and dialogue between generations.